Hiles Wetlands
No. 524
Photo by Aaron Carlson
Hiles Wetlands is a large complex of tamarack poor fen and sedge meadow, which have seen relatively little human disturbance as compared with other similar community types in this area. The wet meadow contains an abundance of blue-joint grass, manna grass, and prairie cord grass. Other species include swamp milkweed, boneset, spotted Joe-Pye-weed, northern bugleweed, sensitive fern, wool-grass, and grass-leaved goldenrod. The wilderness aspect of this site adds to its ecological significance. Hiles Wetlands is owned by Wood County and was designated a State Natural Area in 2006.
Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for a variety of recreational activities as indicated below. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms, or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the Maps tab. A compass, topographic map, or GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.
The good majority of SNAs are isolated and have few or no facilities. Some SNAs have vehicle access lanes or parking lots, but their accessibility may vary depending on weather conditions. Parking lots and lanes are not plowed during winter. Hiking trails may be nonexistent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. A GPS unit or compass and a detailed topographic map are valuable tools for exploring larger SNAs.
Non-DNR lands
Entrance fees: For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.
Hunting and trapping
Other activities
Other allowable activities such as - but not limited to camping, geocaching and bicycling are determined by the landowner. Please contact them directly or visit their websites for details.
Location
Within Wood County Forest, Wood County. T22N-R2E, Sections 8, 9, 15-17, 20-22. 561 acres.
Driving directions
From the intersection of Highways 80 and 54 in Dexterville, go west on 54 for 5.8 miles, then continue west on Peterson Road (when 54 turns south) for 1.4 miles and park. Follow Skunk Creek south into the site. Or continue west on Peterson Road another 0.4 miles to a small turn-around. Park and walk west into the site.
The DNR's state natural areas program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions and private individuals. While the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary according to individual ownership policies. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities.
Users are encouraged to contact the landowner for more specific details. The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries. To create your custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's Mapping Application.
Hiles Wetlands is owned by: Wood County